Discover The Secret Spot In Flemington Serving Up A Melt-In-Your-Mouth Coffee-Rubbed Dry-Aged Ribeye Steak

Picture stepping through the doorway of a charming Victorian home where the aroma of cherry wood smoke beckons from a massive 1,200-pound grill, and where the heat from that flame transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

At Matt’s Red Rooster Grill, Chef Matt McPherson has been doing exactly that since 2004, turning his hometown of Flemington into an unexpected culinary destination that rivals New York City’s finest establishments.

This isn’t just another BYOB spot in central Jersey. The restaurant earned OpenTable’s coveted “Best Overall” top ten designation, chosen by over 2 million diners nationwide.

What makes this restored Victorian home truly special is the centerpiece wood-fired grill that churns out perfectly charred steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and the restaurant’s famous wood-fired romaine salad that has diners driving from counties away just for a taste.

Signature Dishes That Define The Experience

The Famous Grilled Romaine: This isn’t your typical Caesar salad. The romaine hearts get kissed by the wood-fired grill, developing a subtle char that adds a smoky depth to every bite.

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Topped with a creamy Parmesan dressing and grated aged parmesan, the combination of warm, slightly wilted lettuce with that rich, tangy dressing creates an addictive flavor profile that keeps regulars ordering it visit after visit.

Three-Day Baby Back Ribs: These ribs earn their reputation through patience and Matt’s signature barbecue sauce. The slow preparation process results in meat so tender it practically melts away from the bone.

Each rack arrives at your table with that gorgeous caramelized glaze, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory with just enough char from the grill to add complexity.

Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon: The salmon gets elevated treatment here, roasted on cedar planks that infuse the fish with aromatic woodsy notes.

Depending on the season, you might find it paired with a blueberry lemongrass beurre blanc or other creative sauces that complement rather than overwhelm the fresh, buttery fish. The result is salmon that’s moist, flaky, and bursting with flavor.

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Dry-Aged Steaks: Whether you opt for the filet mignon or the coffee-rubbed ribeye, the steaks here showcase what happens when quality beef meets a wood-fired grill. The dry-aging process intensifies the beef’s natural flavors, while the grill adds that essential char and smoky undertone.

Many diners appreciate that you can customize your steak with any of the house sauces, from horseradish cream to blue cheese crust.

Tuna Two Ways: This appetizer presents beautifully with both seared and tartare preparations on the same plate. The seared tuna arrives with a perfect crust on the outside while remaining rare and silky inside, complemented by wasabi cream and a spicy aioli. The tartare offers a refreshing contrast with its delicate seasoning and crispy wonton accompaniments.

Day Boat Scallops: These plump, sweet scallops get the full wood-fired treatment, developing a golden-brown sear that contrasts beautifully with their tender interior. Whether they arrive over risotto or with seasonal accompaniments like caramelized apples and crispy bacon, each scallop showcases the kitchen’s commitment to pristine seafood preparation.

Stuffed Poblano Pepper: This appetizer has earned a devoted following with its perfectly balanced heat and creamy filling. The pepper gets just enough char from the grill to soften its bite while maintaining structure, and the stuffing inside provides a rich, satisfying start to your meal.

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Soups & Seasonal Specialties

Wild Mushroom Soup: Rich, earthy, and deeply flavorful, this soup demonstrates Chef Matt’s talent with seasonal ingredients. The concentrated mushroom flavor comes from quality fungi and careful preparation, creating a velvety bisque that warms you from the inside out.

Rotating Menu Offerings: The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring peak freshness and variety. You might encounter cherry cola braised short ribs during cooler months, with the Coca-Cola adding unexpected sweetness to the rich demi-glace.

Summer might bring lighter seafood preparations featuring local catches. Matt sources ingredients from nearby farms and day boat fishermen, so what appears on your table truly represents the best of what’s available right now.

Prix Fixe Experiences: Throughout the year, special themed menus appear that take diners on unique culinary journeys. Past events have featured bacon-inspired feasts and blueberry-themed summer menus showcasing local produce. These limited-time offerings give regulars something new to anticipate while demonstrating the kitchen’s creativity.

Sweet Endings Worth Saving Room For

Bread Pudding Variations: The dessert menu rotates daily, but various bread puddings make frequent appearances. Whether it’s Oreo bread pudding, maple bread pudding with candied bacon, or creme brulee bread pudding topped with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, these warm, comforting desserts provide the perfect ending to a hearty meal.

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Peanut Butter Mousse Bomb: This dome-shaped creation sits atop a crisp chocolate-coated crust and delivers exactly what its name promises. Light, creamy peanut butter mousse contrasts beautifully with the crunchy chocolate base, creating texture and flavor combinations that make this a standout choice for peanut butter lovers.

Flourless Chocolate Cake: Dense, rich, and intensely chocolatey, this flourless creation appeals to those who prefer their chocolate desserts serious and straightforward. The triple-layered chocolate terrine demonstrates pastry chef expertise in balancing decadence with refinement.

The Victorian Home Setting

Downstairs Dining Energy: The first floor pulses with vibrant energy thanks to the open kitchen layout. Gutted walls expose the original staircase while Colonial-inspired colors like cinnamon, burgundy, and nut brown create warmth throughout the space.

The amber glow from the wood-burning grill provides natural theater as you watch the culinary team at work. This area tends to buzz with conversation and kitchen sounds, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for those who enjoy dining where the action happens.

Chef’s Table Experience: Four coveted seats perch directly above the kitchen line, offering an up-close view of Matt and his team as they grill, sauce, and plate each dish.

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The heat from the grill rises to meet you, and you can observe the precision and timing required to execute a busy service. These seats book quickly, so requesting them well in advance increases your chances of scoring this unique vantage point.

Upstairs Intimacy: The second floor offers a quieter retreat from the downstairs bustle, though the Victorian home’s structure means noise still travels through the space during packed services. The upstairs dining rooms maintain the home’s original charm with their own distinct character, providing a more subdued environment for conversations and celebrations.

Outdoor Options: Weather permitting, the front porch and brick patio become delightful spaces for al fresco dining. These seasonal options let you enjoy Flemington’s downtown atmosphere while savoring your meal, particularly pleasant during spring and fall when temperatures cooperate.

Historic Details: The building itself tells a story. During renovation, Matt discovered his great-grandfather’s signature on the original 1907 electrical panel, creating an unexpected family connection to the very spot where he built his dream.

That sense of history and homecoming permeates the space, making it feel less like a restaurant and more like dining in someone’s beautifully restored home.

Planning Your Visit

Reservations Are Essential: Matt’s popularity means tables book quickly, especially for weekends. Making reservations weeks or even months ahead for Saturday nights isn’t unusual.

The restaurant uses Tock for online bookings, though calling directly at (908) 788-7050 also works. Walk-ins might find space during weeknight service, but don’t count on it for prime dining times.

The BYOB Advantage: Bringing your own wine, beer, or spirits keeps costs manageable while letting you pair your favorite bottles with the meal. There’s no corkage fee, and the team happily opens bottles, provides decanters when needed, and offers proper glassware for whatever you bring.

Several wine shops operate nearby, or you can purchase bottles from Unionville Vineyards about five minutes away, which the restaurant can arrange for added convenience.

Pricing Expectations: Expect to invest around $50 per person minimum before factoring in beverages, with most complete dinners ranging from $50-80 per person depending on selections. While this positions Matt’s in the higher price tier for the area, the quality of ingredients, preparation skill, and generous portions justify the investment.

The combination of BYOB savings and top-tier food makes the overall value quite reasonable compared to similar caliber restaurants with liquor licenses.

Parking Convenience: A dedicated parking lot eliminates the stress of finding street parking in downtown Flemington. You’ll find ample free spaces, letting you focus on your dining experience rather than circling blocks or feeding meters.

Weeknight Quieter Dining: If noise concerns you or you prefer a more relaxed pace, Wednesday and Thursday evenings typically draw smaller crowds than weekend services. You’ll still receive the same quality food and attention, just with a calmer atmosphere that makes conversation easier.

Special Occasions Welcome: The restaurant excels at handling celebrations, from birthdays to anniversaries to business dinners. The private dining room accommodates larger groups while maintaining an intimate feel, and the team works with you to customize menus for special events.

Operating Hours: Matt’s serves dinner only, opening Wednesday through Saturday at 5:00 PM. They close Sundays through Tuesdays, so plan accordingly. This limited schedule helps maintain the kitchen’s focus on quality over quantity.